Michael Symon shares his holiday food traditions, interview

Over the years, Michael Symon has given Food Network fans many thoughtful food advice to chew on. From delicious recipes to thoughtful cooking advice, there has never been a shortage of laughter seasoning all the deliciousness.

As the holiday season approaches, many home cooks are looking for advice on how to make that gathering special. Although not everyone can be an Iron Chef, a few tips can make that meal memorable.

While Symon has touted the importance of being the “less is more chef,” the holidays can be about family traditions. Even if everyone thinks a particular food has to be the centerpiece of the table, it can be best to allow personal preferences influence the feast.

Many people draw from their heritage when it comes to the holidays. Symon and his family celebrate with some traditional foods at their table. Symon shared two holiday traditions during a recent conversation, in partnership with Diplomático Rum.

Specifically, he stated, “With my mom being Sicilian and Greek, she always made her lasagna bolognese and a roasted prime rib on Christmas Day.” While chef did not share the recipe specifically, he did give a few hints on making a delicious prime rib.

Symon shared, “Coming from a family of carnivores, I always do a boated prime rib. Diplomático makes for a great baste for the prime rib that pairs so nicely with the beef, which makes for a very rich, celebratory, wow-kind-of dish that feeds a lot of people.”

While food might bring everyone to the table, the people are what make the celebration memorable. As family and friends gather and look forward to a new year, many people reflect on the importance of friends and family.

In his family, Symon commented, “My grandfather would always say ‘listen with an open mind and an open heart,’ and I try my best to live by it. He was a big believer that it is more important to be a good listener than to have a million opinions. It’s been a crazy couple of years, so I think the better that we can listen, open up our minds and hearts, and understand that everyone’s problems are different, life would be better.”

That thoughtful sentiment is one for everyone to remember this holiday season. Being willing to hear words versus talk over them might be the best gift to give anyone gathering around the holiday table.

What is your holiday wish for people gathering around the table this year?